Job Title: Senior extension Officer
Grade: C5
Reports To: Land Reform Restitution and Community Dynamics Manager
Department / Centre: Land Reform South- Agricultural Operations
Main Purpose of the
job:
The primary role of the Senior Extension Officer for Land
Reform is to take complete responsibility for delivering
extension services to land reform and restitution growers
across various mill catchments. This involves helping
growers implement best agricultural practices (BMPs),
enhancing cane production, and training them on cane
quality to ensure the sustainability of their operations.
Additionally, the officer will foster strong relationships with
key stakeholders in the sugarcane supply chain, including
growers, contractors, and industry organizations such as
SASRI, SAFDA, and Cane Growers, by adhering to
appropriate agronomic standards. These land reform
growers operate on freehold land, either as families, trusts,
or Communal Property Associations (CPAs).
Roles,Responsibilities
and Relationships
➢Responsible for training growers in all aspects of sugarcane
farming, with a focus on the Darnall and Maidstone restitution
projects.
➢ Oversee all other land reform and restitution growers delivering
to Amatikulu and Maidstone Mills.
➢ Provide support to the Land Reform, Restitution, and
Community Dynamics Manager.
➢ Supervise the Extension Officer servicing the land reform and
restitution growers for Darnall and Maidstone.
➢ Offer agronomic advice to ensure best practices in cane
growing among land reform and restitution growers.
➢ Encourage growers to use the Umthombo Retention Scheme to
secure funds for timely application of ratoon management
inputs.
➢ Facilitate the introduction of new and suitable cane varieties in
collaboration with SASRI and the local P&D team to promote
new seed bed areas.
➢ Promote the replanting of farm areas with low yield per
hectare.
➢ Lead the back-to-basics approach in agronomy, including soil
sampling for nutrient requirements, proper land preparation
before planting, and weed control to enhance vertical growth.
➢ Encourage the implementation of ripening programs to improve
RV.
➢ Assist growers in providing accurate cane estimates and
ensure monthly cane adjustments are submitted to the Mill
Group Board promptly.\
➢ Oversee weekly cane deliveries to maintain performance levels
above mill expectations.
➢ Promote Financial Prudence Among Growers. Advocate for
growers to participate in the Umthombo ratoon retention
scheme. This will help them set aside sufficient funds to
purchase and apply necessary inputs timely, thereby
maintaining their crop's health and productivity.
➢ Understanding the role played by the existing Grower
Leadership Structures is crucial for strategic planning and
decision-making.
Qualifications
& Experience:
➢ A minimum of 3 years Agriculture related Tertiary qualification
➢ Senior Certificate in Sugarcane from SASRI
➢ Training on Management courses
➢ SHE Training
➢ More than 3 years of work experience in Sugar Industry, of which
two years must have been spent in sugarcane agriculture
➢ Must be able to communicate in English and isiZulu
➢ Be a very good Team member
➢ A valid driver’s Licence with diving experience
➢ Be computer Literate
Required
Competencies
➢ Operational excellence in Cane Growing
➢ Budget & Cost Control
➢ PLOC
➢ People Management
➢ Team Leadership
Organisational & Environmental awareness
Closing Date: 19.08.2026
